The summer warmth and sunshine may be long gone, but don’t let the winter weather keep you from enjoying your backyard and favorite feasting holidays. Tip number one: start a crackling fire (or outdoor heater) and bundle up under some cozy blankets. Tip number two: serve warm-you-up drinks and bites to celebrate the season with family and friends.
Spicy Hot Toddy
From Abbie’s Kitchen
Recipe yields 1 cocktail
This spicy take on a classic Hot Toddy is sure to warm you down to the tips of your toes on a chilly evening. Just a few quick ingredients and you have a light, not-too-sweet, yet lovely slow sipper or nightcap. When serving up this cozy beverage, be sure to have a few extra slices of ingredients to garnish the mug. You can turn this into a mocktail by omitting the rum, or have another option such as hot chocolate for guests to enjoy.
Ingredients:
2 oz premium spiced rum (we used Blackheart for hints of vanilla, cinnamon, and citrus)
½ lemon – juiced
2 TBS honey
8 oz steaming hot water
Ground cinnamon
Extra lemon slices and cinnamon sticks for serving
Coffee cup or sturdy mug
Directions:
Heat water in a microwave mug until steaming hot (1.5 minutes).
*Alternatively, you can heat water on the stovetop and pour into a mug.*
Slice lemon in half and juice one half. (Strain the pulp if you prefer!) Thinly slice 1-2 slices off the remaining lemon half.
Once the water is steaming hot, carefully pour the spiced rum, lemon juice and honey into the mug with the water.
Give a good stir.
Garnish with a sprinkle of cinnamon, lemon slice and cinnamon stick.
Curl up under a blanket and enjoy!
* Taste, and add more honey for sweetness, and/or a splash more lemon for zing!
Berry & Honey Walnut Baked Brie
From Kayte’s Kitchen
Comforting bites are a must at any holiday gathering! And who doesn’t love a quick and easy appetizer… especially if it involves cheese?!
Warm up your outdoor gathering with this bubbling baked Brie. Made with only a few simple ingredients and in less than twenty minutes, this sweet and savory treat is sure to be a new holiday favorite. You can also get creative using whatever you have on hand and swap in different jams, nuts and other toppings.
Ingredients:
1 wheel of Brie
¼ cup berry preserves (suggested: Bonne Maman four fruits preserves)
½ cup walnuts, chopped (suggested: Diamond hot honey walnuts)
1 tbsp brown sugar
Fresh berries and a drizzle of honey for topping
Fresh thyme for garnish (optional)
1 baguette loaf, sliced
1 apple, sliced
Directions:
Preheat the oven to 350°; line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
Place wheel of Brie* on top of parchment paper and spread preserves on top. Sprinkle with chopped walnuts and brown sugar.
Bake for 15 minutes, or until the Brie melts. While Brie is baking, slice baguette and top with oil or butter
(if desired).
Remove Brie from the oven, pop the sliced baguette in, and bake for 5-10 minutes while the Brie sits.
Top Brie with fresh berries and a drizzle of honey, garnish with thyme for an elevated look. Serve with toasted baguette, crackers, extra walnuts and apple slices.
*If you don’t like the rind of the Brie, carefully slice the top portion off before baking.
